Page 217 - Built For God Handbook (Annotated and Explained Edition) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

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The wisdom of this chapter is perennially relevant, as throughout history.
Humanity has always struggled with unjust political and economic systems
that oppress the poor and favor the rich. Add to this wars and violence that
uproot thousands of innocent people to provide power and control to a few
dictators and authoritarian rulers.

Unfortunately, when the tides of history change, especially in times of
revolution and social upheaval, and the oppressed find themselves in
power, their focus on possessions, prestige, power, and control all too often
finds them becoming oppressors themselves.

The way to freedom from the alluring temptations of the false god of
materialism is faith in a God who is love and only love. An intimate
relationship with this God of love fills the hearts and souls of believers who
can then practice a spirituality of letting go of all these false gods. As one
wise person put it, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by
what we give away.”

b
c
a Luke 6:24-25; Psalm 49:12; Exodus 5:1-9; Philippians 1:20-21;
Galatians 2:19-21; Romans 8:13; Romans 14:7-9; 1 John 2:15-17;
d Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 6:24; Matthew 16:25-26.